Join us as we celebrate 150 Years of Service!
Today the Church presents us with a conundrum or a paradox of sorts—connecting the word exaltation with a symbol of intense suffering: the cross. We human beings think of triumph, victory, or jumping up for joy when we use the term exaltation, hardly a description of an instrument of torture. However, we must distinguish the
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross: From Suffering to Hope Read More »
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” And God said, “Let there be light”—the sun, source of all life. And God said, “Let the waters above and below bring forth life,” providing sustenance for the fruits of the fields and nourishment for the animals. And
Springs of Living Water Read More »
Saint Augustine was born in present day Algeria, where, presumably, his mother Saint Monica, lived. Here is a painting of Saint Monica by artist John Nava. It has been said that behind every great man there is a great woman, and surely this is true of the saint we honor today, St. Monica, the mother of
In God’s Good Time Read More »
It is a Joy for us to be together on this blessed feast of our Holy Father Dominic. It is a gift to celebrate the transfer of leadership within our Sparkill congregation as it connects us to the lineage of Dominic and the worldwide Order of Preachers, especially to the Dominican women of Prouille, the
Mustard Seed Faith: Our Time Is Now Read More »
Today we honor Mary Magdalene, patroness of the Dominican Order. It has been ten years since Pope Francis raised the liturgical celebration of the Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene to the dignity of a Feast, the same rank given to the liturgical celebration of the Apostles. A special Preface was created for the feast, highlighting
Mary Magdalene: Tower of Faith and Witness Read More »
We come together to celebrate this Mass of Thanksgiving, grateful for the blessings that we have received during the mystery of our time together. We have shared more deeply in our time together than we ever do, as we have spoken about that which is most dear to us, our mission and life together. In
James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Pilgrims of Emmaus on the Road (Les pèlerins d’Emmaüs en chemin), 1886–1894. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum) As I look at these two readings, I think about “making a difference.” In the first reading, we have the story of the crippled man who asked Peter and John for alms.
Making a Difference: Changed by Encounter, Sent in Hope Read More »
Good morning, and a blessed Easter Tuesday. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” Amen. Easter and Chapter are not simply events we mark on a calendar—they are moments. Living, grace-filled moments that invite us to pause, to listen, and to respond. In today’s Gospel (John 20:11–18), Mary
Called by Name: From Moment to Mission Read More »
There are times when we allow ourselves to become almost numb to the continual miracles of life, death, and resurrection that constantly surround us in our day-to-day living. The multitudes of distractions in our fast-paced world can rob us of what nature also can teach us. We are just leaving the barren season of winter
Awakening to Resurrection All Around Us Read More »
Station of the cross, Saint Symphorian church of Pfettisheim, Bas-Rhin, France. XIXth century. In today’s liturgy, there is a recommended second collect prayer referring to the sufferings of Mary during this time before holy week. We heard the priest say, “Give your Church the grace to imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary devoutly in contemplating the
With Mary in Sorrow Read More »
I’d like to begin with the responsorial psalm that preceded Claire’s reading: “With the Lord there is mercy.” I hold on to that, because when I look at the world—at the news, at daily life—mercy can feel in short supply. And yet the psalm assures us: with the Lord there is mercy and fullness of
New Life is Possible Read More »
Sister Mary Ann Collins, OP, of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Blauvelt, offered the following reflection on John 9:1–41 during Evening Vespers for the Fourth Week of Lent. Have you ever looked at someone and not really seen them? I’m reminded of my first day ministering in a maximum-security prison for women. Although I
In today’s readings, we hear God tell Abram to go forth, leave his home, family, and all he knows. In the second reading, Saint Paul admits that there will be hardship, but we will receive strength from God. The account of the Transfiguration in Matthew’s Gospel (Ch.17) may seem so extraordinary that it is difficult
Where is Your Mountain? Read More »
Kieran Keenan, STAC ’24, MS in Ed, ’26 It’s great to be with all of you. I recognize some familiar faces from STAC’s feast day Mission Moment program a couple of weeks ago. I had the privilege of sharing my experience walking in the footsteps of St. Dominic during my trip to Fanjeaux, France. And
Led Into the Desert: From Ego-Drama to Theo-Drama Read More »
Tonight, we celebrate the most improbable mystery of all time. The Scriptures remind us of the human genealogy of the birth of a special child, promised through many generations. What was not expected was the manner in which this long-anticipated event would take place. For in ages past, humankind was—and still is—impressed with might, power,
First, I would like to thank Sister Diane and the Dominican Sisters for inviting me to give a reflection today. I admire all the work that you do for our community and the world, and I am honored to be speaking today Two weeks ago, we began the season of Advent by lighting the first
Hope, One Day at a Time Read More »
The original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe impressed on the cloak of St. Juan Diego is seen in the basilica in Mexico City February 13, 2016. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) Today, the Church celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas and one of the most tender expressions of God’s closeness to all people.
Our Lady of Guadalupe: A Mother for All Peoples Read More »
Today, we enter the season of Advent, a time of longing, watchfulness, and hope. The readings place us right at the threshold: God is coming. We are invited to prepare, not by fear or anxiety, but by opening our eyes, our hearts, and our world to the transforming presence of Christ. Isaiah stands before us
Answering Advent’s Call Read More »
How appropriate it is that the feast of the Sorrowful Mother, which we celebrate today, falls immediately after the commemoration of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. It speaks to us of how closely the heart of Mary was entwined with that of her crucified Son.
Mary, Model of Courage Read More »
A portrait of St. Augustine of Hippo. Photo Credit: Saint-augustine.org St. Augustine, whom we honor this day, spoke these memorable words back in the fourth century: Late had I loved you, O Beauty so ancient yet ever new, late have I loved you! Behold, you were within and I was abroad, searching there for you.
Feast of Saint Augustine Read More »
And then the soldiers stripped Jesus of his clothing. They made a crown of thorns and placed it on his head and a reed in his right hand, shouting insults and making fun of him. They began spitting on him, taking the reed and beating him with it. – Matthew 27:28-30 During our Border mission
The Miracle of Shoelaces Read More »
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” – Matthew 25: 35- 36 These words best describe my five-day experience serving the migrant
Matthew 25 in Laredo, Texas Read More »
The strongest muscle in your body is . . . your tongue! It can build up or tear down, comfort and console, or wreak havoc and devastation. What the tongue enables us to produce is words. What happens when this simple, small organ belongs to God? Looking at Isaiah 55:10-11, we see that the Word
The strongest muscle in your body Read More »